The training in this plan will result in big improvement in your muscular endurance and threshold power which are the key ingredients for a successful Gran Fondo. Specific interval workouts simulate the efforts required for both flatter and hilly Gran Fondos.

This plan will work for you if you have 1.5 hours available to train on week days and 3 hours+ available on a Saturday or Sunday. You should have already had the experience of completing 80-100 miles (130-160 km).

The Plan includes a Power and Heart Rate zone calculator to determine your correct training intensities. Perceived Exertion zones are also included so even if you don't train with Power or Heart Rate this plan will still work for you.

Before starting the plan you should have a good level of endurance fitness and be accustomed to training 8-12 hours/week.

This plan is the result of 25 years of professional racing and coaching experience combined with the latest training methods. You will find the training plan highly descriptive and precise, guaranteeing you get the most out of each workout.

Ride in Zone 2-3 with some efforts in Zone 4. Keep your cadence over 85 rpm on the flats. You can ride with a group if you can stay under Zone 5.

Sample Day 6

2:00:00

Big Gear 45-60 min

Ride in Zone 2 / 85 rpm+. After a good warm-up perform 45-60 minutes of continuous big gear riding in your Big Gear zone / 65-75 rpm.Focus on smooth pedaling and stay seated as much as possible. Relax your grip and upper body. Alternate: holding in the drops / brake hoods. After Big Gear spin for 5 minutes in Zone 1 at 110 rpm+.Stop the Big Gear interval and spin easy if you have any knee or other abnormal pain.

Ride in Zone 2 / 85 rpm+. After a good warm-up perform 60 minutes of continuous big gear riding in your Big Gear zone / 65-75 rpm.
Focus on smooth pedaling and stay seated as much as possible. Relax your grip and upper body. Alternate: holding in the drops / brake hoods. After Big Gear spin for 5 minutes in Zone 1 at 110 rpm+.
Stop the Big Gear interval and spin easy if you have any knee or other abnormal pain.

Simon Kessler

|

Simon Says Cycling

Simon Says Cycling training plans draw on over 30 years of racing experience in the amateur and professional ranks and a highly accomplished coaching career that spans over 20 years and includes world championship medals, national and state champions, and everyday cyclists achieving personal breakthroughs.